Electric range



L. F. BERG ELECTRIC RANGE May 22, 1951 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Feb. 6, 1948 RR. R.F REG. OVEN FIG. 2

Invent or": Leo F Berg.

FIG. 3

,OMM His Abbornq S L. F. BERG ELECTRIC RANGE May 22, 1951 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Feb. e, 1948 FE M 8 hvntow Lee FBer-g,

His Attorne s L. F. BERG ELECTRIC RANGE May 22, 1951 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Feb. 6, 1948 k. OE

JNVENTOR.

Leo E'Berg imw, 0W M His Attorneys.

Patentecl May 22, 1951 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE ELECTRIC RANGE Leo F. Berg, Oak Park, 111., assignor to Hotpoint Inc., a corporation of New York Application February 6, 1948, Serial No. 6,631

5 Claims. I

The present invention. relates to electric ranges, and more particularly to such ranges provided with tilting backsplash structure.

An electric range is normally provided with a cooking top carrying backsplash structure adjacent to the rear thereof, which backsplash structure carries instrument and heating control equipment on the front thereof. It is now proposed to increase considerably the normal height of the backsplash structure in order to extend its usefulness and to achieve a better balance in design. However, this proposal would normally necessitate a larger shipping crate for the range and the consequent increase in transportation costs. Also most modern kitchens are provided with built-in overhead cabinet structure rendering it impossible to adjust or repair the equipment carried by the front of the backsplash structure from the front of the range after the range has been installed without removing it from its normal position adjacent to a wall of the kitchen when high backsplash structure is carried by the rear of the cooking top.

Accordingly, it is a general object of the present invention to provide in an electric range, high backsplash structure that does not complicate shipping of the range and that permits ready adjustment and repair of the equipment carried by the front of the back'splash structure after installation of the range.

Another object of the invention is to provide in an electric range, folding backsplash structure; whereby the over-all height of the range may be substantially reduced in order that the range may be conveniently crated and shipped.

Another object of the invention is to provide in an electric range, forwardly folding backsplash structure, whereby the equipment carried by the front of the backsplash structure may be rendered readily accessible from the front of the range to permit adjustment and repair thereof.

A further object of the invention is to provide in an electric range including a cooking top and a backsplash panel, mechanism for mounting the backsplash panel for tilting movement with respect to the cooking top between a substantially upright normal position and a forwardly folded operated position.

A further object of the invention is to provide in an electric range of the character noted, improved hinge mechanism for mounting the backsplash panel for tilting movement with respect to the cooking top and improved latch mechanism for controlling the position of the backsplash panel.

A further object of the invention is to provide in an electric range of the character noted, electrical wiring and control facility accommodating the movements of the backsplash panel.

A still further object of the invention is to provide in an electric range of the character noted, electrical power interlock facility controlled in accordance with the position of the backsplash panel.

Further features of the invention pertain to the particular arrangement of the elements of the electric range, whereby the above-outlined and additional operating features thereof are attained.

The invention, both asto its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following specification taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a fragmentary front view of the upper portion of an electric range embodying the present invention; Fig. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary transverse sectional view of the upper portion of the electric range, taken along the line 22 in Fig. 1, illustrating the latched position of latch mechanism incorporated therein; Fig. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary transverse sectional View of the upper portion of the electric range, taken along the line 3-3 in Fig. 1, similar to Fig. 2, illustrating the unlatched position of the latch mechanism; Fig. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary side view of the upper portion of the electric range shown in Fig. 1, illustrating the normal position of hinge mechanism incorporated therein; Fig. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary side view of the upper portion of the electric rang-e shown in Fig. l, similar to Fig. 4, illustrating the operated position of the hinge mechanism; Fig. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary front sectional view of the right-hand upper portion of the electric range, taken along the line 6-6 in Fig. 4, further illustrating the details of the latch and hinge mechanisms; and Fig. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary rear perspective view of the upper portion of the electric range shown in Fig. 1, illustrating the arrangement of the electrical wiring incorporated therein.

Referring now to the drawings, the electric range In there illustrated, and embodying the features of the present invention, comprises an upstanding frame or body ll provided with a substantially horizontally disposed cooking top I2 terminating adjacent to the rear thereof in an upwardly directed pedestal l3 carrying upwardly extending backsplash structure it. The body II comprises an oven disposed in the righthand upper portion thereof below the cooking top I2 and having an open front closed by a suitable door I5, the door I5 being hinged adjacent to the lower edge thereof in a manner not shown and provided with an operating handle I5 positioned adjacent to the upper edge thereof just below the cooking top I2. Also the body II comprises a storage space disposed in the lefthand upper portion thereof below the cooking top I2 and receiving a sliding drawer having a front cover I1 that is provided with an operating handle I8 positioned adjacent to the upper edge thereof just below the cooking top I2.

The cooking top I2 merges with the top of the body II and terminates adjacent to the rear thereof in the pedestal I3 as previously noted, which pedestal I3 is of hollow construction. Also the cooking top I2 has a plurality of openings formed in the left-hand surface thereof in which corresponding surface heating units are removably secured in place. Specifically, the left-hand surface of the cooking top I2 has four openings formed therein arranged both front and rear andleft and right, and removably carrying corresponding surface heating units. For convenience the four surface heating units will be referred to hereinafter as the left front, the right front, the left rear and the right rear surface heating units. In passing it is noted that the left rear surface heating unit may also be lowered below the cooking top I2 in order to provide a deep-well cooking unit. In the drawings, the removable left front and right front surface heating units are respectively illustrated at I9 and 20, the left rear and right rear surface heating units being hidden by other structure. Also the oven comprises the usual bake and broi1 heating elements, not shown.

The backsplash structure I4 is of hollow con struction and constitutes an instrument and heating control equipment panel, as well as a lamp support arranged to illuminate the cooking top I2. Specifically, the right-hand portion of the backsplash structure I4 carries the instrument and heating control equipment while the left-hand portion thereof has an opening 2| formed therein in which there is arranged an upwardly and rearwardly sloping light reflector 22, the upper left-hand portion of the backsplash structure I4 constituting a light shade or hood 23 carrying a removable. elongated electric lamp 24. Accordingly, the electric lamp 24 when illuminated throws light upon the curved reflector 22, whereby the cooking top I2 is adequately illuminated for cooking purposes. Of course, the backsplash structure I 4 also serves the purpose of preventing food cooking in receptacles arranged on thesurface heating units from splashing upon the wall of the kitchen in whichthe electric range I0 is disposed; Whereas the upper right-hand portion of the cooking top I 2 also serves as a work platform in the preparation and serving of food.

Specifically, the right-hand front surface of the backsplash structure I4 has six openings formed therein and arranged in a lower row and two additional openings formed therein and arranged in an upper row. Four control switches 25, 26, 27 and 28 are respectively arranged in the first four of the lower openings from the left toward the right and respectively control the electric circuits of the left front, the left rear, the right rear and the right front surface heating units. An oven temperature regulator 29 is arranged in the fifth lower opening; and a fifth control switch 39 is arranged in the sixth lower opening and controls the electric circuits of the oven. A timing mechanism 3| is arranged in the left-hand opening and controls the opening and the closing of the electric circuits to the oven in accordance with predetermined times; and a timing alarm mechanism 32 is arranged in the right-hand upper opening. This disposition of the instrument and control equipment upon the right-hand front of the backsplash structure I I provides for ready control of the four surface heating units, as well as the oven.

The backsplash structure 2 3 is mounted upon the pedestal I3 for tilting movement with respect to the cooking top I2 by an arrangement including two hinge mechanisms 49 and 59 respectively disposed on the left-hand side and on the righthand side of the range III and positioned mutually within the hollow pedestal IS and the hollow backsplash structure I4. More particularly, the backsplash structure I4 is mounted by the hinge mechanisms and 53 for tilting movement between a substantially upright normal position, as illustrated in Figs. 1 and 4, and a forwardly folded operated position as illustrated in Figs. 5 and 7. When the backsplash structure I4 is moved to its forwardly folded operated position, disposed over the cooking top I2, the overall height of the range Iii is considerably reduced with respect to the normal height thereof established with the backsplash structure M in its substantially upright normal position. This arrangement is very advantageous as the over-all height of the range It for crating purposes incident to shipping may be considerably reduced even though the backsplash structure I4 has a height considerably greater than that normally employed in conventional electric ranges. Accordingly, in the range If! a high backsplash structure I4 has been provided that is capable of being folded for crating purposes so that the over-all height of the range If) is equivalent to that of conventional ranges having low backsplash structures.

Preferably the hinge mechanisms 40 and 50 are identical; and, as best shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the hinge mechanism 56 comprises a stationary section 5|, a movable section 52 and a guide link 53. The hinge section 5I terminates in a fixture 54 provided with top and front flanges 55 and 55 respectivel suitably secured to the adjacent top and front walls of the pedestal I3. Also the hinge section 5! has an elongated arcuate shaped guide slot 51 form d therein. The hinge section 52 terminates in a fixture 58 provided with bottom and front flanges 59 and 50 respectively suitably secured to the adjacent bottom and front walls of the backsplash structure I 4. Also the hinge section 52 is provided with an arm SI havingan opening formed therein into which a pin 62 is arranged, the pin 62 being positioned in the guide slot 5'! formed in the hinge section 5|. The guide link 53 is substantially C-shaped, the upper and lower ends thereof bein pivotally connected to two pins 63 and 64 respectively rigidly secured to the fixtures 58 and 54.

When the backsplash structure I4 occupies its substantial upright normal position as illustrated in Fig. 4, the bottom wall of the backsplash structure I4 is arranged in superimposed relation with respect to the top wall of the pedestal I3: the hinge section 52 terminating in the fixture 58 rigidly secured to the backsplash structure thereon with respect to the cooking top |2.

H occupies its fully downwardly projected position with respect to the hinge section 5|; and the guide link 53 occupies its substantially upright position. At this time the pin 62 carried on the outer end of the arm 6| formed on the hinge section 52 is disposed in the lower end of the guide slot 5! formed in the hinge section 5|; and the pivot pins 63 and 54 are positioned in substantial vertical alignment. The backsplash structure l4 may be moved from its substantial upright normal position to its forwardly folded operated position by pulling forwardly At this time the pin 62 carried by the arm 6i formed on the hinge section 52 rides upwardly in the guide slot 51 formed in the hinge section 5|; whereby the backsplash structure It is moved forwardly with respect to the pedestal l3 as it is tilted or rotated in the counterclockwise direction as viewed in Figs. 4 and 5. Accordingly, the guide link 53 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction about the pivot pin 64 as the backsplash structure I4 is moved to its forwardly tilted operated position causing the pivot pins 63 and 64 to move out of substantial vertical alignment. When the backsplash structure M is moved into its final forwardly tilted operated position as illustrated in Fig. 5, the pin 62 carried by the arm 6| formed on the hinge section 52 engages the upper end of the guide slot 57 formed in the hinge section 5|, thereby positively limiting further tilting of the backsplash structure l4 toward the cooking top l2. This stop arrangement incorporated in the hinge mechanism 50 positively prevents the instrument and heating control equipment 25, etc., carried on the front of the backsplash structure It from striking the adjacent surface of the cooking top l2. At this time the pivot pin 63 disposed at the upper end of the guide link 53 is forwardly offset with respect to the pivot pin 54, since the backsplash panel structure i4 is moved substantially forwardly with respect to the pedestal |3 as it is rotated in the counterclockwise direction as viewed in Figs. 4 and 5. Accordingly, it will be understood that the hinge mechanism 50 is of the compound type imparting both forward shifting movement and rotative movement to the backsplash structure l4 when the backsplash structure M is moved from its substantially upright normal position to its forwardly folded operated position, and conversely, imparting both rearward shifting movement and rotative movement to the backsplash structure l4 when the backsplash structure M is moved from its forwardly folded operated position back into its substantial upright normal position. This compound hinge arrangement positively prevents the front lower edge of the backsplash structure I4 from binding on the front upper edge of the pedestal I3 or undesirable scraping of these adjacent parts over each other incident to tilting movement of the backsplash structure M.

In view of the above description of the hinge mechanism 50 it will be understood that the g hinge mechanism 40 is identical and comprises corresponding elements 4|, 42 and 43; the hinge section 4| being rigidly secured to the pedestal IS, the hinge section 42 being rigidly secured to the backsplash structure l4, and the guide link A 43 being pivoted between the hinge sections 4| and 42 in the manner described; all for the purpose previously explained.

Further therange l0 comprises latch mechanism lo including atransversely extending latch bar carried by the rear wall of the pedestal It just below the top wall thereof. More particularly, the latch bar H is substantially C-shaped in cross section and is mounted for sliding movement on the rear wall of the pedestal l3 between a normal latched position illustrated in Fig. 2 and an operated unlatched position illustrated in Fig. 3 by an arrangement including two bolts 12 disposed on opposite sides of the rear wall of the pedestal it. More particularly, the bolts 12 extend through cooperating openings formed in the rear wall of the pedestal l3 andthence respectively through two elongated slots To formed in the opposite ends of the latch bar 1| and receive cooperating nuts 14. The latch bar 1| includes a forwardly projecting flange '55 having a downwardly turned edge 76 that is provided with two spaced-apart notches or openings 1! and 18 formed therein respectively adjacent to the hinge mechanisms 39 and 50. More particularly, the notch T! is disposed adjacent to a cooperating rearwardly projecting shoulder 42a formed on the hinge section 42, incorporated in the hinge mechanism 40; and the notch 73 is disposed adjacent to a cooperating rearwardly projecting shoulder 52a formed on the hinge section 52, incorporated in the hinge mechanism 5|].

When the latch mechanism It occupies its normal latched-position as illustrated in Fig. 2, the notches Ti and 18 formed in the flange '15 of the latch bar H are respectively disposed out of alignment and to the left of the cooperating Shoulders 42a and 52a respectively formed on the hinge sections 42 and 52. Also at this time the adjacent portions of the downwardly turned edge It provided on the flange 15 of the latch bar H are positioned over the associating shoulders 42a and 5211 respectively formed on the hinge sections 42 and 52; whereby the latch bar ll cooperates with the hinge mechanisms 45; and 5|) positively to prevent movement of the backsplash structure M from its substantially upright normal position as shown in Fig. 4 to its forwardly tilted operated position as shown in Fig. 5. When the latch bar "H is slid from the left toward the right from its latched position as shown in Fig. 2 to its unlatched position as shown in Fig. 3, the notches l1 and 18 formed in the flange '15 of the latch bar 7| are moved into respective alignment with respect to the shoulders 42a and 52a respectively formed on the hinge sections 32 and 52. Accordingly, at this time when the latch bar H occupies its unlatched position as shown in Fig. 3, the backsplash structure l4 may be moved from its substantially upright normal position illustrated in Fig. 4 to its forwardly folded operated position illustrated in Fig. 5, since the shoulders 42a and 52a respectively formed on the hinge sections 42 and 52 may ride through the respective cooperating notches Ti and 78 formed in the flange 15 of the latch bar I In order to control the position of the latch bar 1| an arrangement is provided that includes a handle 19 pivotally mounted by a screw 86 upon the rearwall of the body N. More particularly, the screw 80 extends through an opening formed in the rear wall of the body adjacent to the upper edge thereof and just below the pedestal l3 and thence through an opening formed in the handle 79, the outer end of the screw 8% receiving a cooperating nut 8|. The screw 80 is arranged to the left of the vertical center line of the range l0 below and substantially in align ment with the center line of the right rear surface heating unit. Finally the upper end or," the handle I9 projects through a cooperating slot 82 formed in a lower flange 83 carried by the latch bar "H; while the lower end of the handle 19 terminates in a forwardly projecting handgrasp 84. The latch mechanism I normally occupies its latched position illustrated in Figs. 2 and 4 and when it is desired to operate it to its unlatched position illustrated in Figs. 3 and 5, the servicemen removes the right rear surface heating unit from the cooperating opening formed in the cooking top I2. At this time the serviceman may reach through the right rear opening formed in the cooking top I2 and seize the hand-grasp 80. When the hand-grasp 84 is then moved toward the left from its normal posi tion as illustrated in Fig. 2 to its operated position as illustrated in Fig. 3, the handle I9 is pivoted in the clockwise direction about the screw 80, whereby the latch bar II is moved toward the right from its latched position shown in Fig. 2 to its unlatched position shown in Fig. 3. After the latch mechanism T0 has thus been operated to its unlatched position with respect to the hinge mechanisms 40 and 50, the backsplash structure 54 may be operated in either direction with respect to the pedestal I3 in the manner previously explained.

As best shown in Figs. 4. and '7, the top of the body I I terminates in inwardly directed marginal flanges 9|, and the bottom of the cooking top I2 0 and the pedestal I3 terminate in inwardly directed flanges 92, the cooperating flanges SI and 92 being suitably secured together in order to retain the cooking top I2 and the pedestal I0 in position on the top of the body I I. Likewise, the 1 top of the pedestal I3 terminates in inwardly directed flanges 93, and the bottom of the backsplash structure I iterminates in inwardly directed flanges 60, the flanges 93 and 94 being arranged to cooperate with each other when the backsp-lash structure I4 occupies its substantially upright normal position. Since the lower flanges 94 carried by the bottom of the backsplash structure I4 are spaced vertically a short distance above the upper flanges 93 carried by the top of the pedestal I3 by the hinge mechanisms 40 and 50, a trim 95 is secured to the lower surfaces of the flanges 94; whereby the trim 95 is positioned between the cooperating flanges 93 and 9 .1 when the backsplash structure I4 occupies its substantially upright normal position, thereby to conceal the gap between the backsplash structure I4 and the pedestal I3.

The rear of the pedestal I3 is open and is normally closed by a removable lower cover 96 secured in place at the opposite ends thereof to the cooperating flanges 93 by a plurality of screws 91. Likewise, the rear of the backsplash structure I4 is open and is normally closed by a removable upper cover 98 secured in place about the marginal edge thereof to the cooperating flanges 55 2 by a plurality of screws 90. Accordingly, the hollow pedestal I3 and the hollow backsplash structure I4 respectively comprise top and bottom walls provided with connecting openings formed therein. Moreover, the interior of the hollow pedestal I3 is rendered readily accessible when the lower cover 96 is removed; and likewise, the interior of the hollow backsplash structure I4 is rendered readily accessible when the upper cover 98 is removed.

Also the range I0 comprises a power panel I00 carried by the body II and accessible through an opening I9I formed in the rear wall thereof; which power panel I00 comprises three terminals I02, I03 and I04 that are respectively connected by suitable wiring to the positive, neutral and negative wires of a conventional three-wire Edison source of current supply. Normally an A. C. source of current supply is utilized wherein the line to line voltage is approximately 220 volts and the line to neutral voltage is approximately 110 volts. Further, the range I0 comprises a master circuit controller I05 that is removably secured by two screws I96 to a substantially L- shaped bracket I01 that, in turn, is suitably secured to the lower surface of the flange 9| provided on the top of the rear wall of the body Il adjacent to the right-hand side thereof and spaced toward the left from the associated hinge mechanism 50. The master circuit controller I05 is provided with a rocking control arm I08 arranged to cooperate with the movable hinge section 52 of the hinge mechanism 50. More particularly, when the backsplash structure I4 is moved to its substantially upright normal position, the lower end of the hinge section 52 engages an upturned end provided on the arm I08 depressing it and moving the master controller I05 to its closed circuit position. On the other hand, when the backsplash structure I4 is moved to its forwardly folded operated position, the lower end of the hinge section 52 disengages the upturned end of the arm I08 relieving it, permitting it to rise, moving the master controller 50% to its open circuit position.

The two line terminals I02 and I04 provided on the power panel I00 are connected by two wires I09 and IIO to two inlet terminals carried by the master controller I05; while two outlet terminals carried by the master controller I05 are connected directly to two flexible bus wires Ill and H2; and the neutral terminal I03 provided on the power panel I00 is connected directly to a flexible bus wire II3. Accordingly, when the master controller I05 occupies its closed circuit position, the wires I09 and [I0 are respectively connected to the bus wires III and H2; and when the master controller I occupies its open circuit position the wires I09 and IIO are respectively disconnected from the bus wires I II and H2. Accordingly, the master controller I05 constitutes a power interlock governed in accordance with the position of the backsplash structure I4; whereby the power from the power panel I09 is automatically disconnected from the bus wires III and H2, when the backsplash structure I4 is moved out of its substantially upright normal position. In passing, it is noted that the neutral terminal I93 on the power panel I00 is normally connected to ground potential and is, in turn, normally grounded to the metallic structure of the body II.

The bus wires III, H2 and H3 extend in multiple to the control switches 25, 26, 27, 28 and 30. The electric circuit from the left front control switch 25 is returned via three flexible conductors, indicated as a group at II4, t the left front surface heating unit; the electric circuit from the left rear control switch 26 is returned via three flexible conductors, indicated as a group at H5, to the left rear surface heatin unit; the electric circuits from the right rear and the right front control switches 2'! and 20 respectively are returned by two groups of flexible conductors, not shown, to the respective right rear and right front surface heating units; and the electric circuit from the oven control switch 30 is returned by four flexible conductors, indicated as a group at IIB, to the oven heating elements. Also, the electric circuit for the oven heating elements includes the oven temperature regulator 29 and the oven timing mechanism 3|. Accordingly, the flexible bus wires III, H2 and H3, as well as the groups of flexible conductors H4, H5, H6, etc., accommodate tiltingmovement of the backsplash structure I4 with respect to the pedestal I3. Further, it is noted. that the oven temperature regulator 25 is. operatively thermally associated with the oven by an arrangement includin a fluid conduit II'I having a helical coil lIIa incorporated therein in order to accommodate the tilting movement of the backsplash structure I4. Specifically, the lower end of the fluid conduit III terminates in a bulb, not shown, operatively associated with the oven structure, and the upper end of the fluid conduit II'I connects with a pressure chamber, shown, formed in the oven temperature regulator 29. Finally, it is noted that the electric lamp 24 is provided with an electric circuit, including the bus wires I II and II3, as well as a control switch, not shown; and likewise; the timing mechanism 3| includes an electrical operatin motor, not shown, provided with an electric circuit, including the bus wires HI and II3.

Accordingly, it will be understood that the cooking top I2 is commensurate with the top of the body H, and is of one-piece construction, the downwardly turned front flange of the cooking top I2 integrally joining the downwardly turned end flanges thereof and the end flanges of the cooking top I2 integrally joining and merging into the rearwardly turned end flanges of the pedestal I3. Also the backsplash panel I4 is of one-piece construction, the rearwardly turned top flange of the backsplash i4 integrally joinin the rearwardly turned end flanges thereof. The width of the backsplash panel I4 between the end flanges thereof is commensurate with the width of the pedestal I3 between the end flanges thereof, so that when the backsplash panel I4 occupies its normal position the end flanges thereof complement the end flanges r of the pedestal I3.

In view of the foregoing description of the constmction and arrangement of the tilting backsplash structure I4, it will be understood that, after the range It has been installed in a kitchen, the electrical wiring arranged in the hollow pedestal I3 and in the hollow backsplash structure I4, as well as the instrument and circuit control switches 25, etc., carried by the front of the backsplash structure I4, are readily accessible from the front of the range ID for adjustment and repair; all without moving the range II! from its installed position in the kitchen. In order to accomplish this end, the repairman merely removes the right rear surface heating unit, operates the handle 19, and then moves the backsplash structure I4 to its forwardly folded operated position disposed over the cooking top I2. At this time the cover 98 may be removed from the rear of the backsplash structure I4 merely by removing the screws 99; whereby the interior of the electrical wiring arranged. in the hollow backsplash structure I4, as well as the terminals and other mechanical portions of the instrument and circuit control switches 25, etc., are readily accessible from the front of the range III.

In view of the foregoing, it is apparent that there has been provided an electric range incorporating tilting backsplash structure accomi0 modating compact crating and shipping of the range, as Well as ready adjustment and repair of the instrument and circuit control equipment carried thereby after installation of the range.

While there has been described what is at pres ent considered to be the preferred embodiment of the inventiomit will be understood that various modifications may be made therein, and it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such modifications. as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. In an electric range including a body, a cookingtop substantially commensurate with the top of said body and carried thereby, said cooking top terminating adjacentto the rear thereof in an upwardly directed pedestal, said cooking top having downwardly projecting front and end flanges, said pedestal having rearwardly projecting end flanges merging with said end flanges of said cooking top, backsplash structure arranged on said pedestal, said backsplash structure having rearwardly projecting top and end flanges, instrument and heating control equipment carried on the front of said backsplash structure, and a pair of spaced-apart hinge mechanisms respec-' tively secured ot said cooking top and to said backsplash structure for mounting said backsplash structure for tilting movement with respect to said cocking top between a substantially upright normal-position and a forwardly folded operated position, said end flanges of said backsplash structure complementing said end flanges of said pedestal when said backsplash structure occupies its normal position; the combination comprising compound links incorporated in said hinge mechanisms for shifting said backsplash structure bodily forwardly away from said pedestal as said backsplash structure is tilted forwardly into its operated position, stops incorporated in said hinge mechanisms for positively limiting tilting movement of said backsplash structure beyond its operated position so as to prevent said instrument and heating control equipment from striking said cooking top when said backsplash structure occupies its operated position, and ready releasable means for restrainin said backsplash structure in its normal position.

2. In an electric range including a cooking top, backsplash structure arranged adjacent to the rear of said cooking top, and a pair of spacedapart hinge mechanisms respectively secured to said cooking top and to said backsplash structure for mounting said backsplash structure for tilting movement with respect to said cooking top between a substantially upright normal position and a forwardly folded operated position; the combination comprising a latch member carried by said cooking top and movable between latch and unlatch positions, said latch member being disposed below said backsplash structure when said backsplash structure occupies its normal position, at least one of said hinge mechanisms carrying an abutment cooperating with said latch member, said latch member respectively engaging and disengaging said abutment in its latch and unlatch positions in order respectively to latch said backsplash structure in its normal position and to release said backsplash structure for til ing movement from its normal position into its operated position, and manually operable means for selectively operating said latch member be-- tween its latch and unlatch positions.

3. In an electric range including a cooking top, backsplash structure arranged adjacent to the rear of said cooking top, said cooking top having an opening therein disposed forwardly with respect to said backsplash structure, a heating unit removably arranged in said opening, and a pair of spaced-apart hinge mechanisms respectively secured to said cocking top and to said backsplash structure for mounting said backsplash structure for tilting movement with respect to said cooking top between a substantially upright normal position and a forwardly folded operated position; the combination comprising a latch member carried by said cooking top and movable between latch and unlatch positions, said latch member being disposed below said backsplash structure when said backsplash structure occupies its normal position, at least one of said hinge mechanisms carrying an abutment cooperating with said latch member, said latch member respectively engaging and disengaging said abutment in its latch and unlatch positions in order respectively to latch said backsplash structure in its normal position and to release said backsplash structure for tilting movement from its normal position into its operated position, and means including a manually operable handle disposed below said cookin top and accessible through said opening when said heating unit is removed therefrom for selectively operating said latch member between its latch and unlatch positions.

4. In an electric range including a cooking top supporting surface heating units, backsplash structure arranged adjacent to the rear of said cooking top and carrying on the front thereof circuit control switches, first electric circuit connections between said surface heating units and said circuit control switches, power terminals, second electric circuit connections between said circuit control switches and said power terminals, and a pair of spaced-apart hinge mechanisms respectively secured to said cooking top and to said backsplash structure for mounting said backsplash structure for tilting movement with respect to said cooking top between a substantially upright normal position and a forwardly folded operated position, said first and second electric circuit connections bein flexible to accommodate the tilting movement of said backsplash structure between its normal and operated positions; the combination comprising a master switch arranged in said second electric circuit connections and operative between open and closed positions, and means cooperating with one of said hinge mechanisms and responsive to movement thereof incident to movement of said backsplash structure into its normal and operated positions for respectively operating said master switch into its closed and open positions.

5. The combination in an electric range as set forth in claim 2, wherein at least one of said hinge mechanisms also incorporates cooperating stops for positively limiting tilting movement of said backsplash structure so as to prevent said backsplash structure from striking said cooking top when said backsplash structure occupies its operated position.

LEO F. BERG.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,380,656 Lauth June 7, 1921 1,726,830 Hobson Sept. 3, 1929 2,080,597 Bates et a1 May 18, 1937 2,453,832 Dadson Nov. 16, 1948 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 208,759 Great Britain Dec. 20, 1923 

